That answers another question! I was in a Chinatown tea store today and bought that exact Puerh for a significantly higher price. I will see how it is tomorrow. I have no way to know if Sun's Organic Teas got theirs from the same place. I thought it too good to be true at some $25 or $30 bucks but I was there it was an impulse purchase. I figured I didn't have much to lose.

That answers another question! I was in a Chinatown tea store today and bought that exact Puerh for a significantly higher price. I will see how it is tomorrow. I have no way to know if Sun's Organic Teas got theirs from the same place. I thought it too good to be true at some $25 or $30 bucks but I was there it was an impulse purchase. I figured I didn't have much to lose.

Definite no go on the first brick. The second I wouldn't risk it. If you are looking for reputable sellers from China let me know I have some good contacts over there.

Both bricks are rubbish. The first one is quite obviously a cheap Shu, the second for the claimed 12 years far too yellowish-green in color.

There are a bunch of those Hongkong based shops selling supposedly old teas for very cheap prices on ebay. I ordered once one, just to see, and had to gag at the first sip of the outrageously nasty brew.

theredbaron wrote:Both bricks are rubbish. The first one is quite obviously a cheap Shu, the second for the claimed 12 years far too yellowish-green in color.

There are a bunch of those Hongkong based shops selling supposedly old teas for very cheap prices on ebay. I ordered once one, just to see, and had to gag at the first sip of the outrageously nasty brew.

The woman who sold me the same brick as the first brick in this post has repeat customers and while I am sure it is inexpensive Puerh that she had a tremendous markup on I will see if it is any good tonight. It could be something produced in huge quantities that is still available in large quantities and thus not a $4 brick now worth $400, but a $4 brick now worth $13. It really depends on how it was stored, I guess. In any case, I was overcharged or she was. I have no way to know what she paid. She doesn't have a website, only a facebook page.

That answers another question! I was in a Chinatown tea store today and bought that exact Puerh for a significantly higher price. I will see how it is tomorrow. I have no way to know if Sun's Organic Teas got theirs from the same place. I thought it too good to be true at some $25 or $30 bucks but I was there it was an impulse purchase. I figured I didn't have much to lose.

I am drinking this Puerh now. The first steeping was decent with a fruity somewhat zesty aftertaste. The second steeping is not as good. It is a very dark and strong Puerh. I do not think I will steep it a third time. Had the second steeping been as good as the first I would have made the Ebay seller an offer on one of his bricks. It definitely was not worth what Sun's Organic Tea in Chinatown, NYC charged, but I did not know that at the time.